News
Emergency child care available for eligible health care and other front-line workers in York Region

Emergency child care services will now be offered to eligible health care and other front-line workers in York Region, the municipality announced. Eligible workers can apply online at york.ca/covid19 as of April 6.

On March 22, the Province of Ontario announced the exemption of select child care centres from the closure order for all licensed child care centres and the Regional Municipality of York (York Region) received approval to open a limited number of emergency child care centres in York Region.

Emergency child care allows eligible health care and other frontline workers to have the child care support they need to continue protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians during this COVID-19 outbreak. Eligible workers, as identified by the Ministry of Education, can access this service for children from birth to age 12 at no cost.

Emergency child care services are reserved exclusively for children of eligible workers who have no other alternatives.

There are strict measures in place to protect the safety of the children, parents and child care professionals at these centres, York Region stated. “This includes thorough daily cleaning, active screening and limiting the number of children in each centre. While the child care operator will do their best to provide a safe environment for your child(ren), it is important that parents and guardians understand there are risks associated with placing your child(ren) in a group setting.”

York Region’s emergency child care centres are near Markham Stouffville Hospital, Southlake Regional Health Care and Mackenzie Health. Six emergency child care centres will open in phases. Spaces are limited to maintain provincial health and safety requirements and will be available for eligible families on a first-come, first-served basis.

For a list of emergency child care centres open in York Region and to apply for emergency child care, please visit york.ca/covid19. Eligible workers must complete an online application. A York Region Children’s Services Representative will follow up with each applicant to confirm eligibility (proof of eligible health care and other front-line worker status), child care needs and next steps.